Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tona Bell, Founder and Owner of The Paper Seahorse, located in Tampa, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Paper Seahorse is a studio for creativity + mindfulness. Helping solve the digital dilemma of too much screen time is our specialty. Curating handwritten and handmade experiences, we are dedicated to celebrating the creative spirit and the makers. Stationery finds, creative classes, and special events, we have the tools to help you digitally detox. Mindfulness starts here with us.
Our followers are anyone who is in need of slowing down, going screen-free, and exploring slow living. Those who prefer to use their hands and create. Creative souls who crave balance, especially those who work on computers all day.
Tell us about yourself
I am the proprietress of The Paper Seahorse, a studio for creativity and mindfulness in sunny Tampa, Florida. We provide analog tools and experiences for folks to slow down and reconnect with themselves and others. These range from writing and typing to making and creating.
I suffered burnout while running a fast-growing marketing company that specialized in high-tech solutions for global companies. I got really sick, landed in the emergency room, couldn’t work for a while, and had to decide if I was going to make a life change or not. I followed my heart, took the plunge, and never looked back. I am happiest when in a flow state. That could be practicing origami, preparing for a workshop, or keeping in touch with a friend through a letter.
I created The Paper Seahorse to be a haven of inspiration for those digitally fatigued. We call it taking a digital detox—screen-free time to let your senses rest and get back into that flow state. Practicing mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety. I am motivated every day to find new ways to help people take their time and lives back.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One success is tapping into the need to slow down, be more mindful, and using your hands for writing and making. The validation of that concept and being able to fulfill that need for folks is huge.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One challenge is having too many ideas and not enough time and resources. So I would say prioritizing and focusing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never say never. If you can dream it, you can manifest it.
- Persistence and endurance are key.
- Be completely honest with yourself as to why you are doing this. Do regular check-ins and make sure you are still on the right track. You can lose your way in the minutia of the day-to-day.
Good luck, for you are one of the creative minds the world needs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.paperseahorse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaperseahorse/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaperseahorse/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tona-k-bell-3098293/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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